GARETH Southgate emphasised today that Turkish international Tuncay had a huge role to play in the future of the new Boro.

The 25-year-old is still awaiting his first Boro goal following his much publicised freedom of contract signing from Fenerbahce in the summer.

He started the first three games of the Premier League campaign on the right flank, but was then edged onto the bench.

The arrival on Teesside of #5m midfielder Gary O’Neil, apparently to play on the right, further threatens Tuncay’s situation, but Southgate insisted that the Turk needed time to settle in.

He said: “Tuncay is a very talented player and we are delighted that we were able to sign him.

“He did not start against Birmingham, but he came off the bench and did very well for us.

“It takes time to settle into a new club, especially when you are discovering a totally different environment.

“But Tuncay is a superb footballer and a good professional and he is a valuable member of our squad.”

Most fans believed Tuncay was an orthodox striker, especially as he had scored 77 goals in just over 200 appearances for Fenerbahce.

Stories of his hat trick against Manchester United in the Champions League are also legendary in Turkey. But Tuncay is seen more as an attacking midfielder, even though he can comfortably operate as a striker.

Southgate said: “The great thing about Tuncay is that he can play in a number of positions. He can play on the right, on the left, in the middle or up front.

“But Mido and Aliadiere have been fantastic for us and have played so well together.

“I know what they have been doing has been appreciated by the fans.

“They have already taken Mido to their hearts, while Aliadiere got a great reception when he came off against Birmingham.

“So everybody has to be patient. In football you never know what is around the corner. That’s why you need a squad which is fully focused all the time.

“Tuncay has been away with Turkey national side for a couple of weeks and has missed some of the work we have done here.”

Boro winger Adam Johnson has joined Championship side Watford on a three-month loan. The 20-year-old has joined the club to gain first team experience.